Unmanned aircraft are a burgeoning industry, with NASA bringing cutting-edge technology to the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County.

Stennis and Skydweller Aero have reached an agreement for Skydweller to operate its solar-powered autonomous aircraft in the space center’s restricted airspace.

It is one of the strategic goals of the NASA center, officials said in a news release.

“There are few locations like NASA Stennis that provide a secure location, restricted airspace and the infrastructure to support the testing and operation of various unmanned systems,” said Stennis Director John Bailey. “Range operations is a critical area of ​​focus as we adapt to the changing aerospace and technology landscape to grow in the future.”

The restricted airspace covering more than 100 square miles and up to 6,000 feet high for unmanned aircraft. The altitude for propulsion testing and other operations is 12,000 feet, according to NASA.

The agreement stems from the Reimbursable Space Act and marks the first between Stennis Space Center and a commercial company to take advantage of the center’s ability to support the testing and operation of unmanned systems.

Since the deal was finalized in late August, Skydweller Aero has begun test flights of its autonomous, unmanned, solar-powered aircraft, which has a greater range than a 747 airliner. The aircraft is designed for flights of long duration. As of October 1, Skydweller completed an initial flight test campaign, including two 16-hour and 22½-hour test excursions.

“Access to the restricted airspace above NASA Stennis has been extremely helpful for our autonomous and unmanned flight operations,” said Skydweller Aero President and COO Barry Matsumori. “The opportunity to use the controlled environment above Stennis helps us accelerate our efforts, allowing us to transition the aircraft into and out of civil airspace while demonstrating its reliability and unblemished safety record to the FAA.”

To use Stennis’ restricted airspace, a company must conduct public, not private, aircraft operations. Skydweller Aero is working in association with the Department of Defense on this project.

“This really opens the door for others to come here,” said NASA Stennis Range Officer Jason Peterson. “There are requirements that must be met, but for those that meet them, NASA Stennis is an ideal location for flight and test operations.”

The Stennis Space Center was established in 1961 to prepare the US for space flight. Since then, it has tested NASA rocket engines used in flight. In 1966, the FAA established restricted airspace at Stennis. The airspace was expanded in 2016 to allow the center to safely conduct propulsion tests and accommodate Department of Defense missions.

For more information, visit https://www.nasa.gov/stennis/stennis-range-operations/#contact-info.

Licci Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her further X @licibev or Facebook TO facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on the Hattiesburg American: MS Stennis Space Center tests unmanned aircraft